Anti-inflammatory agents in Alzheimer's disease.

Epidemiologic studies have raised expectations that existing anti-inflammatory drugs may be useful in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the first large-scale studies of anti-inflammatory drug treatment regimens have been negative. These disappointing results, along with new evidence from cell culture and animal model systems, suggest that the inflammatory hypothesis must be refined. Generalizations about inflammation and anti-inflammatory drugs have not been useful in developing treatment strategies for AD. But new studies suggest that specific anti-inflammatory drugs may have beneficial effects mediated by unexpected mechanisms. Continued exploration of the neuroprotective potential of specific antirheumatic therapies, as well as consideration of treatment duration and subject selection, will improve the outlook for successful development of one or more of these drugs in the prevention or treatment of AD.